Newly installed Jackson State University President William Bynum ended his first week on Friday by firing two senior members of the university’s communications department and slashing the salaries for several executive cabinet positions.

Interim Communications Director Danny Blanton confirmed his termination, which came without advance notice, to The Clarion-Ledger late Friday afternoon.

“I was told that the new president wanted to go in a different direction,” Blanton said.

Olivia Goodheart, director of public relations, was also terminated. Goodheart, who spoke critically of Bynum’s nomination for president during a stakeholder meeting held on campus in June, said she was not given advance notice of the decision.

Sources speaking on background also told The Clarion-Ledger that a number of vice presidents were informed by letter of salary changes on Friday.

“Please note that Jackson State University, the employer, reserves the right to terminate your employment and/or decrease the salary specified at any time by giving one month’s notice. The employee herein, when resigning voluntarily, shall give one month’s notice in writing to the employer,” the letter reads.

"We do not comment on personnel matters," said spokeswoman Rachel James-Terry.

Although JSU faces a shaky financial terrain in the wake of the depletion of the university’s cash reserves by 89 percent and continued state budget cuts, leaders had been optimistic, saying that Mississippi’s largest historically black university ended the 2017 fiscal year on sound footing.

Under interim President Rod Paige, the university implemented a budget reduction plan resulting in the layoff of 42 employees, the elimination of 65 vacant positions and the consolidation of several departments.

The university also suspended classes at its Madison auxiliary site and recently announced the elimination of out-of-state waivers for children of lifetime alumni asssoication members.

And the current salaries for executive cabinet members were factored into the budget approved by the state College Board.

The latest action raises the question of whether it comes as a result of belt-tightening in response to the university’s fledgling finances or as a part of the transitions that accompany a change in leadership.

Higher Education Commissioner Glenn Boyce said while the state College Board has to approve the hiring or termination of certain higher-level administrative positions such as provosts and vice presidents, salary reductions are left at the discretion of university leadership.

Contact Bracey Harris at 601-961-7248 or bharris2@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter.